Happy Friday! It’s scholarship time here at the Financial Aid Finder. For the past several weeks, I’ve been harping on the fact that we are in the middle of scholarship season. What that means for you is that there is an abundance of scholarships out there with deadlines in the next few days or weeks. So, if you want to earn free money for college (and come on, who doesn’t want free money?), you need to get serious about completing some scholarship applications.
I will help you out every Friday by posting three of the hottest scholarship opportunities with upcoming deadlines. This week, I have scholarships for dependents of U.S. marines, minority scientists, and animal rights activists. Awards start from $1,000 for these scholarships, so definitely check them out! Deadlines are March 1st – 3rd, so do it now!
1. Marine Corps Dependents Scholarship: Amount Varies, depending on need
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is committed to honoring marines by educating their children. This year, the foundation has several thousands dollars in scholarships to give away to sons or daughters of active duty or reserve U.S. marines. To be eligible, your marine parent must have served at least 90 days and received an honorable or medical discharge, or have been killed while serving in the Marine Corps. Also eligible are sons and daughters of active duty or reserve U.S. Navy Corpsman who has served with marines. Scholarships are only available for undergraduate study, including at vocational and technical institutions as well as at accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a maximum family adjusted gross income of $80,000. If your parent was killed in combat in the Global War on Terror, the income limit requirement is waived. The application deadline for incoming freshmen is March 1. All other applicants have until April 15 to apply.
2. American Chemical Society Scholars Program: Up to $5,000
The American Chemical Society established its ACS Scholars Program in 1994 to attract African American, Hispanic and American Indian students to pursue careers in the field of chemical sciences. The program provides awards of up to $5,000 for qualified applicants on the basis of their academic standing, financial need, career objective, leadership skills, and community service. To be eligible, you must be a high school senior or college freshmen, sophomore, or junior of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian heritage. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, enrolled (or planning to enroll) full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be able to demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA and Student Aid Report (SAR) form. Finally applicants, must be majoring in or intending to major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or a chemically-related science and planning a career in the chemical sciences. To date, more than 1,900 students have received scholarships through the ACS Scholars Program, of which 55% are African Americans, 39% are Hispanic/Latino, 6% are Native American. In addition to scholarship assistance, the ACS Program also provides mentorship for its scholars from college and university faculty, and professionals in related industries and minority advocacy organizations. The application deadline is March 1.
3. Humane Education Network’s A Voice for Animals Essay Contest: $1,000
The 19th Annual Voices for Animals High School Essay Contest rewards prizes o up to $1,000 to high school students whose essays best promote the humane treatment of animals. Sponsored this year in part this year by the Palo Alto Humane Society, the contest is open to all eligible students, regardless of nationality or country of residence. To be eligible, you must currently be attending high school or be home schooled and under 19. Essays of no fewer than 1,300 words and no more than 1,500 words should examine either the mistreatment of one animal species or one cause of animal suffering, occurring anywhere in the world, and possible measures to reduce it. Essays without citations will be disqualified. Essays must be written in English and double-spaced. Your essay will be judged on originality, breadth and depth, organization and presentation, degree of research, and personal involvement in responses to cruelty. Visit the HEN website for other requirements. Essays and applications must be submitted online. The application deadline is in early March. Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 30th.
Good luck with your applications!